Times of India

Comedian Kunal Kamra questions Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa about the average wages paid to delivery partners in 2024. Kamra criticizes quick commerce platforms for exploiting gig workers, describing platform owners as landlords without land, who offer unaffordable freedom and inadequate wages.

Australia's Alex Carey dispelled rumors of conflict between Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli after their brief clash during the Boxing Day Test. Carey praised Konstas' impressive debut performance, noting his aggressive start and confident 60-run innings. While acknowledging the refreshing energy Konstas brought, Carey suggested it might not always be his playing style.

Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with heartfelt wishes, messages, and quotes for family, friends, partners, and colleagues. This article offers over 30 suggestions to spread love, positivity, and motivational thoughts as you welcome the new year and look forward to new beginnings and endless possibilities.

The world welcomed 2025 with grand celebrations. China showcased a spectacular drone show, London had mesmerizing fireworks despite stormy weather, and UAE’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai lit up the sky. Singapore’s Marina Bay and New Zealand’s Auckland hosted stunning displays. Sydney impressed with its iconic fireworks, while New York, Pasadena, Nashville, and Mumbai celebrated with traditional and vibrant festivities.

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Mohan Bhagwat about BJP's practices affecting democracy, including vote-buying and voter manipulation. Kejriwal doubted if the RSS supports these actions. AAP spokesperson accused BJP leaders of deleting voters' names and offering money for votes in various constituencies, amidst escalating accusations as both parties gear up for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

US President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on H-1B visas, emphasizing the need for competent and smart individuals in the country. He denied changing his opinion on the visas and highlighted their importance in bringing skilled workers to the US. Trump aligned with Elon Musk and commented on the necessity for visa holders amidst upcoming job growth.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is expected to play the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series despite a rib injury, according to teammate Alex Carey. Starc's fitness will be evaluated closer to the match, with Jhye Richardson ready to step in if needed.

A business owner in Delhi, Puneet Khurana, allegedly died by suicide amid an ongoing divorce case with his wife. The incident occurred in the Model Town area. Puneet's family claims he was upset over the dispute, fueled by a conversation about their bakery business. Police are investigating the allegations and have questioned Puneet's wife.

Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath praised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his instrumental role in keeping the Border-Gavaskar Trophy competitive, citing his adaptability and control. McGrath highlighted Bumrah's unique hyper-extension and short run-up while emphasizing the talent pool in Indian cricket, including prospects like Prasidh Krishna and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

In a historic decision, Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi chose to share the 2024 World Blitz Championship title after a series of intense and closely-fought games in New York. Following a tie in the sudden death rounds, FIDE and both players agreed on the unprecedented outcome, marking the first dual winners in the championship's history.

Indian chess prodigy Vaishali Rameshbabu secured a bronze medal at the 2024 World Blitz Championship in New York, praised by her mentor Viswanathan Anand. China's Ju Wenjun triumphed over Lei Tingjie, while the Open section title was shared by Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi after a tie in the finals.

India welcomed 2025 with New Year's Eve house parties, driving high demand for snacks, beverages, and party supplies on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. Highlights included record orders for aloo bhujia, chips, and ice cubes. BigBasket noted significant spikes in ice cube and beverage sales, while top cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad led in delivery tips.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, BSE Sensex and Nifty50, opened in green on Wednesday, the first trading day of the New Year 2025. While BSE Sensex rose 100 points, Nifty50 was above 23,600.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni revealed the best compliment he's received came from his wife saying, 'you have done alright in life.' Despite accolades from cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Dhoni values his wife's words the most, showcasing his humility. His response highlights his effort to impress his wife above all.

Five family members, including a mother and her four daughters, were found murdered in a Lucknow hotel. The son, Arshad, has been arrested for the crime. He confessed, citing harassment by neighbors and community pressure as his motivation. Arshad and his father carried out the murders. The police are searching for the father, who is on the run.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extend New Year greetings for 2025, emphasizing opportunities, health and prosperity. Celebrations occur nationwide with parties, cultural events, and fireworks. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and tourist spots such as Manali see large gatherings and vibrant festivities.

Kevin Pietersen criticises the World Test Championship qualification process after South Africa reached the 2025 final with fewer matches. He blames structural flaws, highlighting discrepancies as England, despite winning more games, rank sixth. He urges the ICC Chairman to address this issue, calling for urgent reforms to ensure fair competition.

Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who bravely rescued sailors during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, has died at 103. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, remaining focused on saving lives amidst the chaos. Chandler's passing, along with two others, leaves just 15 Pearl Harbor survivors. He is survived by an extensive family.

From Anand becoming World Champion in 2000 to Gukesh doing the same in 2024, the city has produced top talent left, right and centre, tempting us to call it the New Moscow of chess. Robust support structures, notable academies, and the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai contributed significantly to this growth, with Tamil Nadu producing multiple Grandmasters and emerging as the new epicenter of world chess.

Delhi CM Atishi urged LG VK Saxena to halt demolitions of religious sites, citing decisions from the Delhi government's religious committee. The LG's office denied receiving any demolition files and accused Atishi of political diversion. BJP criticized Atishi for potentially disturbing communal harmony.